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NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 19: (L-R) Opponents Kamal Shalorus and Khabib Nurmagomedov face off after weighing in during the UFC on FX official weigh in at Bridgestone Arena on January 19, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Khabib Nurmagomedov

TRAINING: Morning run for about 30 minutes, lunch, sparring. Grappling and striking every other night. Also I like to go to Russian sauna once a week.

When and why did you start training for fighting? In 2008 I decided to start competing in MMA under the guidance of my father. I had secured a few Combat Sambo awards by that time. My first fight I finished in the second round by RNC and was awarded submission of the night.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2 x Russian Combat Sambo and 2 x World Sambo Champion

Do you have any heroes? My childhood friend Eldar Eldarov

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s my childhood dream and can tell you that I have seen all of UFC’s fights. This is something I was doing while other kids played video games.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Financial Academy with honors.

What was your job before you started fighting? I am dedicated to fighting and I did not have to work except for training youth and children in wrestling.

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).